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News | Oct. 1, 2018

Enlisted Corps Spotlight for October

By U.S. Strategic Command Public Affairs U.S. Strategic Command

Tech. Sgt. Edward Whittle Jr., Airborne Command Post nuclear command and control operator for the global operations directorate, hails from Ewing, New Jersey, and has nine years of military service.

 

Q: How does your job support USSTRATCOM and our missions?

 

A: As an Airborne Command Post nuclear command and control operator I track the status of our strategic weapons.

 

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at USSTRATCOM?

 

A: I love the collaborative environment of USSTRATCOM, everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission. Onboard the Airborne Command Post, I provide the Airborne Emergency Action Officer with data to help make quick decisions, which in turn protects our family and friends throughout the world. I work more effectively the more I learn about everyone’s role and how it connects to what I do. 

 

Q: What has been a challenge for you regarding your work at USSTRATCOM and how have you overcome that challenge?

 

A: When things are moving fast paced sometimes you only have one shot to get it right. If I hadn’t missed a few marks in the past, I would not push as hard to get things right as I do now.

 

Q: What has been your most memorable experience in the military?

 

A: My deployment to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, during the Turkish military coup will always be my most memorable experience in the military. This was the first time I felt like I played a true part in the mission. The commander and deputy officer had a strategic way of thinking that I’ve never witnessed before. Moreover, my leadership pushed me beyond my limits and through their expectations I was able to grow into the Airman I am today. I will always look back on that deployment and remember the mission will always advance, no matter the circumstances.

 

Q: What is the one piece of information or advice about working at USSTRATCOM that you'd pass on to new members of the USSTRATCOM team?

 

A: Absorb all of the history, joint uniqueness, and knowledge from all the great leaders around you. There are so many training, learning, and leadership opportunities to choose from.